On the Town: Our Fashion Week Party Column!

New York Fashion Week's main event may have relocated to Lincoln Center, but everyone knows that the real fun starts after hours. Gone are the days when recession blues forced designers (even Marc Jacobs!) to hack their parties in half or cancel them all together. This year, they're revving up the glitz and glamour, plus adding a surprise roster of haute musical performances that include New York indie rockers and shaggy-haired rock'n'roll legends. Below, a round-up of the most anticipated fashion week parties, from the frivolous to the fabulous.

9.9.10 Chanel's Soho Re-Opening Dinner and drinks is a classic combination, but when Karl Lagerfeld hosts his celebration of the re-opening of Chanel's Soho boutique, it's bound to become an eccentric evening. Alexa Chung will man the DJ deck while a slew of models stir cocktails and, rumor has it Baptiste Giabiconi actually sings — all before the Lagerfeld accepts the Fashion Visionary Award from the Couture Council the next day.

9.11.10 Alexander Wang`s Carnival The 2010 CDFA award-winner's set a high party bar. He has to beat last September's Courtney Love-in-a-gas-station bash and should be able to with a hush-hush affair that sounds like an East Berlin rave: a carnival-themed tent at Chelsea's Edison Parking lot, louche fare, and a rumored musical performance by a certain Sri Lankan singer.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9.11.10 John Varvatos The menswear designer's annual after party at his Bowery store doubles as an epic rock concert, with Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Cherie Currie and others expected to pay homage to the former CBCG space with live performances.

9.12.10 Tommy Hilfiger's 25th AnniversaryThe iconic American designer pulls out the big guns for his extravagant 25th anniversary bash, held at the Metropolitan Opera House. Expect The Strokes on stage live, crooning to the industry's most established names.

9.13.10 Marc Jacobs After-partySeriously, what can this man not do? With a slew of boutiques, a just-opened bookstore and plans for an upcoming restaurant, the fashion crown prince of New York might wield the hottest VIP ticket in town — even without Gaga's help.

9.15.10 Proenza SchoulerLike high school, the cool kids always win. The designer duo's film of their Fall 2010 collection, directed by Harmony Korine, has already made waves online, offering a glimpse into their impossibly hip after party to be held at the revamped, Paul Sevigny and Nur Khan-blessed Don Hills.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
ELLE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.